Members Kyle of Cydonia Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 Hey, let me start by saying that I have absolutely no experience playing guitar whatsoever. To put things simply, I have quite a bit of spare time and would like to try to learn how to play guitar. I'm trying to find a cheap, decent guitar that will be good to learn on. I've read that cheap Ibanez guitars are good for starters, so what do you guys think about this one? http://www.moellermusiconline.com/p-9529-electric-guitar-package-ibanez-ijx40bkn-black.aspx Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! EDIT: Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my funds are pretty limited. Lol. I would like to pay the lowest amount possible, but I can spend as much as $300. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members diceman1000 Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 i would start with Cort and Peavey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members axegrinder Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 Not sure what music style you enjoy, but assuming your $300 includes an amp too, you need to watch how much you spend on the guitar. Where you live will dictate what outlets are available to you and what product lines will fall within your price range. Is there a Guitar Center in Cydonia? This is a great time of year to pick up returned items or used items, but since you don't have anyone to help you (but internet strangers), you'd be better off sticking with guitars that don't require a lot of attention out of the gate.Squier Bullets come to mind as do Line 6 amps, but that's knowing nothing about you. Read up around here and see what you can learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Snowcow Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 ... so what do you guys think about this one? http://www.moellermusiconline.com/p-9529-electric-guitar-package-ibanez-ijx40bkn-black.aspx Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! That one looks pretty good for a beginner. Check out the Squire packs too:http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301605006 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Mackin Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 Anything that stays in tune and doesn't sound too bad. I'd take a look in the classified ads for used Squier Standards.If you want to buy new, Ibanez would be a good choice too.If you are also looking for an amp, try avoiding the small combos in the 10 or 15 watt range (except if someone is offering you one for free). Most of them are useless for anything else than playing alone in your bedroom and they are impossible to sell used. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Rex Machete Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 I suggest avoiding starter kits because the amps all tend to be useless. My advice is to save up for a decent practice amp like a Roland Cube to go with your guitar. I highly recommend looking for used equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kyle of Cydonia Posted January 6, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 Thanks for all of the helpful feedback, guys. As far as my taste in music is concerned, I usually listen to classic rock, but I also enjoy other bands such as Muse, Weezer, and The White Stripes. I'm leaning towards the Ibanez JumpStart package, since it seems to be a good deal (and is available in my area), but I'll definitely look into the different Squier models as well before deciding anything. I'll most likely do most, if not all, of my practicing in my room, so I think a 15W amp will be perfect for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members DShep228 Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 What about Rondomusic.com? He could start out on an SX guitar and still have enough $$$ left over for a little Roland Micro cube or Vox DA-5 amp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bert-O-325 Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 I'll go ahead and say this - be aware that most strat-clones that have a tremolo tailpiece will add a little extra headache in tuning, especially for a beginner. But its easily overcome by shoving a small wood block into back of the trem cavity. If you're just starting out - a small 15-watt or less amp is fine, as long as you don't pay a bunch for it. You may be able to find one used for a pittance on a local craigslist. You might want to find a good guitar tech near you - as a good set-up can make a crappy guitar into a nicely playable one. But a good setup can also run $50 or more. BUT! even a crummy guitar and amp will "GET" you started, at least. Today, the "cheap" guitars are made waaaaay better than the cheapies of old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members golias Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 Several new threads about this. Must be a lot of people who got Guitar Center gift cards for Christmas or something. The best advice I can give to anybody interested in getting started on guitar is: Do you know anybody who already plays? If so, let them help you figure out what you need. Heck, they might have some really good older gear in their studio they might just sell you on the spot. We can all make a lot of general recommendations about low-cost guitars and amps, but somebody shopping along with you can do A LOT more to help you get the most for your money based on what's available near you and can also get you started on the right foot. If you don't have a lot of guitarist friends, go make some! Show up to some local gigs, and talk to those whose performances you respect. Most guitarists who have not made the "big time" are usually more than happy to chat about guitars with anybody who comes and talks to them after the show. Heck, buy them drinks, and you'll have friends for life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kyle of Cydonia Posted January 6, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 You know, I hadn't even heard of Guitar Center before you guys mentioned it. Lol. There seems to be two of them around where I live, so I'll definitely have to check them out. Once again, thanks for the good advice guys. It sounds like I definitely do want to avoid one that has a tremolo tail piece because I honestly know nothing about tuning as it is, so there's no need to further complicate things (not yet, at least). What do you guys think about this one? http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-IJX30-Electric-Guitar-Pack-104378153-i1372012.gc My only concern about that one is that it says it's designed for metal (and I'm not very big on metal). Would it still be a good guitar to learn basic skills on? EDIT: I guess what I meant to say was that I would prefer something that is somewhat versatile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GAS Man Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 The best bit of advice I try to give first timers is to first look at the type of guitars your guitar heroes play. The reason is that if you like them, then you probably like that kind of guitar tone. That doesn't mean you'll have to buy that exact brand and model, but it's good to find out through your guitar heroes if your most fond of the tone of strat players, tele players, harder classic rock (SG or LP players), whether or not you like shredders with wild whammy bar stunts, etc. Then once you've narrowed that down a bit, then ask for advice here on brand and model within your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Orange Jackson Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 I would kind of stay away from those starter packs. you will out grow that thing pretty fast. I don't know, it's tough. You have a lot to learn just starting out. Any guitar you buy is going to need to be set up. You are on this forum, so when you get your guitar you might make a post asking for help on setting it up. That you have to learn. Recently I was asked to help a friend get a guitar for her son and I will recommend the same thing to you as I did to her.Check out rondo music.com Look for the Al 2000 guitars. They come in few colors so you should be able to find something you like.They start here on page 7, http://www.rondomusic.com/electricguitar-ss7.html As for the amp, I think this is a great place to start.http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/V9168R/?gclid=CK-1vJi2kJ8CFQMNDQodO3nXcg I recommend staying away from guitars with tremolo systems (whammy bars) on them. They can make tuning more difficult and can just be a distraction for a someone who is starting out. So, I think a hardtail is the way to go. All the the Al-2000 are hardtails. One last thing to think about, you can get a really cheap guitar, but you will want to replace it a year down the road. You might as well just spend a little more now and get something that you can keep. If you really get into it down the road you can drop new parts in one of those AL-2000 guitar and you will have a real solid guitar, something you wouldn't do to a cheap ibanez. Good luck, try your best to find guys to play with, learn your major and minor scales and have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members hyperlite Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 maybe this:http://www.rondomusic.com/stl503ts.html then maybe a 15w peavey vypyr.http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-Vypyr-15-15W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104922851-i1413605.gc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tomtraubert Posted January 6, 2010 Members Share Posted January 6, 2010 if you're just starting out playing in your room then rather than an amp some kind of inexpensive usb interface may be an option,download some free recording software and you'll be able to listen back to what you've just played,can be very helpful in improving your playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members MatteusNova Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 You can probably find a used MIM Stratocaster for $200-225 on CL. Amp and multiFX hmm, I dunno. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Pine Apple Slim Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Butterscotch Affinity Tele. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members guitarcapo Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Get a cheap $100 guitar that plays easy and a cheap solid state amp like a Roland Cube 30. Don't overthink it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members d_dave_c Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Do you know how to play anything? If so, go try some guitars out at a shop. Even if it's just playing a few chords, you can get to know the feel of different styles. My advice would be to look on your local craigslist or the used section of Guitar Center. Try and find a Yamaha Pacifica 112 (or higher) or a Peavey USA Tracer or Reactor. You can usually find these for around $100. I think the Roland cube series amps are great to learn on. A used cube 30 would be about $125-150. You can get a new Cube 20 for $175-200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kuroyume Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 http://www.evhgear.com/frankenstein/ You know you want it! Seriously: if you know the style that you'll want to play (already) then you should aim for a guitar aimed for that. For instance, Fender isn't usually associated with heavy metal. Ibanez isn't usually associated with blues. Etc. Not that one cannot do that just that you can't really divebomb all day on a Fender with synchronized tremolo (and single-coils don't produce the sound required for cutting distortion). Stay away from Wal-mart gueeters. How about a Fender, Gibson, or Ibanez starter pack: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/navigation/electric-guitar-value-packages?N=100001+306243 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Bro Blue Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Amps: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-VTone-GM108-15W-Modeling-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=480698 http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-Vypyr-15-15W-1x8-Guitar-Combo-Amp?sku=482908 Guitars: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/ESP-LTD-M53-Electric-Guitar?sku=515729 http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-Telecaster-Special?sku=515115 http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Series-Stratocaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=510423 http://www.rondomusic.com/hawkstopmnpbu.html http://www.rondomusic.com/product2550.html The amp will be your weakest link, but both of the above will get you different sounds without having to get any pedals, and they sound pretty good for around the house. Any of the above guitars are very good for the money and easily upgradable for the future if you decide to upgrade them. Buying any two should leave you under $300 with some left over for a cable, strap, and a cheap tuner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Cats-o-caster Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 That one looks pretty good for a beginner.Check out the Squire packs too:http://www.squierguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0301605006 Allways choose Ibanez over the Squier, believe me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members kit_strong Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 I too would recommend staying away from the starter packs. The amps tend to sound like complete crap which isn't exactly inspiring to playing. Stepping up to a Roland Cube 30, or a Vox Valvetronix VT 30 will serve you much better in the long run. Although either one would require stretching the budget a bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members EADGBE Posted January 7, 2010 Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Suggestions for a first guitar?Get a strat of some sort. They're good for almost every occasion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kyle of Cydonia Posted January 7, 2010 Author Members Share Posted January 7, 2010 Okay, so based on what you guys have said, I think I'm going to pass on the starter packs. I'm thinking a Squier Bullet Stratocaster would be perfect for me, since it is pretty cheap and has fantastic reviews. For an amp, I think I'll choose between the Roland Cube 15X and the Roland Micro Cube. Does the amp include a cable? If not, I've heard that Monster is a good brand. Squier Bullet: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-Bullet-Electric-Guitar-with-Tremolo-104494315-i1385540.gc Roland Micro Cube: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Roland-Micro-Cube-Combo-Amp-102542180-i1175936.gc Roland Cube 15X: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Roland-Cube-15X-Amp-104087572-i1169242.gc Monster Cable S-100: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Monster-Cable-S-100-1-4--Straight-Instrument-Cable-10742-i1128534.gc I think I'm good so far, but what else will I need? EDIT: I'm also considering the Squire Affinity Telecaster, but that one may be a little too expensive. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier-Affinity-Series-Telecaster-Special-102320439-i1148535.gc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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